Take A Minute To Sing Episode 14: Advanced Ear Training

Take a Minute to Sing: Advanced Ear-Training

Last lesson we worked on hearing the difference between major and minor triads (or chords). Today we are adding diminished and augmented triads.

Remember that ear-training is important to recognize nuances in sound and basics of musicianship like pitch, triads (3 notes), chords (various numbers of notes), and intervals (the distance between two notes).

There are only four triads you can do with three notes:

1. Diminished (three half-steps plus three half-steps) – For instance, “C” up to “Eb” (E flat) is three half-steps, and “Eb up to “Gb” is also three half-steps. Put the two together and you have a diminished triad. (This is also a fast way to learn to play guitar chords on the piano)

2. Minor (three half-steps plus four half-steps) – “C” to “Eb” to “G”

3. Major (four half-steps plus three half-steps) – “C” to “E” to “G”

4. Augmented (four half-steps plus four half-steps) – “C” to “E” to “G#”

Practice listening to triads and identifying them. On the video this first exercise is hearing the difference between diminished and augmented triads. This isn’t easy for most people and requires practice. Stay at it, you will get it.

Practice listening to chords in songs and notice when one jumps out at you. This is something most professional musicians do without thinking because of years of playing music, but you can progress with a little daily rehearsal.

Now work on outlining some triads. Start with a C diminished triad ( C, Eb, Gb, Eb, C) going up half-step intervals to (Db, Fb, G, Fb, Db), etc. Then do the same starting with the augmented triad (C, E, G#) and (Db, F, A) etc. These triads are used more in jazz than say, folk or country, but ear-training can help all singers become better.

Don’t forget to take a minute to sing every day!